Lwandamina Names 27Man Squad for AFCON Qualifiers, Demands Selflessness

By Chansa Kunda

Chipolopolo Coach George Lwandamina has named a 27‑member squad ahead of Zambia’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, urging players to demonstrate selflessness and commitment to the national badge.

Of the 27 players, 14 are foreign‑based, 12 are locally based, while Chanka Zimba remains unattached. Making a return to the national team for the back‑to‑back Group I fixtures against Algeria and Togo is Orlando Pirates striker Gamphani Lungu, recently voted the club’s Player of the Month for August.

Other foreign‑based call‑ups include strikers Fashion Sakala, German‑based Patson Daka, and Albert Kangwanda of Tanzanian side Yanga FC. Ricky Chanda, who plays for Nõmme United in Estonia, has earned his first senior national team call‑up.

Power Dynamos dominate the local contingent with five players, including goalkeepers Lawrence Mulenga and Willard Mwanza, alongside midfielder Owen Tembo.

Speaking during the unveiling of the squad, Lwandamina said he is satisfied with the selection and demanded that every player give their best. He stressed that the team is prepared for both fixtures and fully aware of the challenge posed by their opponents.

Zambia will open their campaign away to Algeria on September 25 before hosting Togo on September 29 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.